Hands-On: Amazon's New Compact Echo Show – A Google Nest Hub Competitor?

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Post on Apr 07, 2025

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Hands-On: Amazon's New Compact Echo Show – A Google Nest Hub Competitor?

Amazon has quietly launched a new, smaller Echo Show, and it's sparking conversation. This compact smart display aims squarely at Google's popular Nest Hub, but does it deliver the same compelling experience at a competitive price point? We spent some time with the new device to find out.

A Smaller Footprint, Familiar Features:

The most striking feature of this new Echo Show is its size. Significantly smaller than its predecessors, it boasts a more discreet design, perfect for smaller spaces like nightstands or kitchen counters. This compact form factor doesn't sacrifice functionality, however. It retains the familiar features we've come to expect from the Echo Show line, including a vibrant touchscreen display, hands-free Alexa control, and video calling capabilities.

What Sets it Apart? Key Improvements and Considerations:

While similar in spirit to the Nest Hub, Amazon's new compact Echo Show boasts several key differentiators:

• Improved Sound Quality: Our hands-on experience revealed noticeably improved audio compared to previous compact smart displays. While not replacing a dedicated speaker, it provides surprisingly rich and clear sound for its size, ideal for casual listening and video calls.
• Enhanced Privacy Features: Amazon has continued to enhance its privacy features, allowing for greater control over microphone and camera access. This is a crucial aspect for many consumers, and a welcome improvement.
• A More Affordable Price Point? The exact pricing will vary by region, but early indications suggest Amazon is aiming for a competitive price bracket, potentially undercutting the Google Nest Hub in certain markets. This price competitiveness could be a significant factor for consumers.

Direct Comparison: Echo Show vs. Google Nest Hub:

The rivalry between Amazon and Google in the smart home arena is well-documented. This new compact Echo Show directly challenges the Google Nest Hub's dominance in the smaller smart display market. Here’s a quick comparison:

The Verdict: A Strong Contender, But Not a Clear Winner:

This new compact Echo Show from Amazon is a significant player in the smart display market. Its improved sound, enhanced privacy features, and potentially lower price point make it a compelling alternative to the Google Nest Hub. However, the "best" device ultimately depends on individual needs and preferences. Do you prefer the Google Assistant ecosystem or are you deeply invested in the Amazon Alexa world? This choice comes down to personal preference and existing smart home setups.

Looking Ahead:

The launch of this compact Echo Show signifies a continued battle for dominance in the smart home ecosystem. With both Amazon and Google continuously improving their offerings, consumers are the ultimate winners, enjoying increased competition, innovation, and more affordable smart home technology. We'll be sure to update this review as more information becomes available, including detailed specifications and official pricing.